System and Method for Multifunctional Magnetic Coupling Jet

ABSTRACT

An apparatus including a motor assembly having a motor. A jet assembly coupled to the motor assembly having an inlet and outlet aperture. An impeller configured to rotate causing a first fluid to flow into the inlet aperture and out the outlet aperture. A fluid guider that includes at least one wall member defining a first channel configured to guide the first fluid from the inlet aperture into the cavity. Additionally, the fluid guider includes at least one post defining a second channel extending through the post. The second channel configured to guide the first fluid from the cavity towards the outlet aperture and output the first fluid at an oblique angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the post. A second fluid channel member configured to provide a second fluid out the outlet aperture. A light source configured to illuminate the first fluid.

BACKGROUND

Spa devices are used in commercial and recreational settings forhydrotherapy, massage, stimulation, pedicure, and bathing purposes.Typical spa devices include a motor that drives a pump to circulatewater from the spa device. In particular, a shaft of the motor is usedto directly mount an impeller which is then used to circulate water intoand out of the spa device. Since the motor may not operate wet, a sealor a series of seals may be required to prevent water from entering themotor. The seals will wear to the point where water will enter the motorand consequently, the entering water may cause the motor to burn out. Atthis point, the motor assembly may be replaced in order to continueoperation. This is expensive and may take several hours in which toperform.

Additionally, because typical spa devices have extensive piping systemsthat are built into the spa device to transporter water, the spa devicesare traditionally difficult to clean. This results in downtime andcomplicated maintenance schedules to clean such spa devices.Furthermore, if a spa device has a light source associated with it, toreplace or repair such a light source can be time consuming andcomplicated when the light source is not easily accessible.

The subject matter of the present disclosure overcomes one or more ofthe shortcomings of the above described spa devices.

SUMMARY

In one exemplary aspect, the present disclosure is directed to anapparatus. The apparatus includes a motor assembly having a motor and amagnetic array such that the motor is configured to drive the magneticarray. The apparatus also includes a jet assembly coupled to the motorassembly. The jet assembly includes an inlet aperture configured toreceive a first fluid. Additionally, the jet assembly includes an outletaperture surrounded by the inlet aperture and centrally disposed aboutthe jet assembly. The outlet aperture configured to output the firstfluid. The jet assembly further includes an impeller positioned within acavity of the jet assembly and configured to rotate within the cavitywhen the magnetic array is driven such that rotation of the impellercauses the first fluid to flow into the inlet aperture and out theoutlet aperture. Also, the jet assembly has a fluid guider incommunication with the inlet and outlet apertures. The fluid guiderincludes at least one wall member defining a first channel configured toguide the first fluid from the inlet aperture into the cavity.Additionally, the fluid guider includes at least one post defining asecond channel extending through the post. The second channel configuredto guide the first fluid from the cavity towards the outlet aperture andoutput the first fluid at an oblique angle with respect to alongitudinal axis of the post. Furthermore, the jet assembly includes asecond fluid channel member disposed within the outlet aperture andconfigured to provide a second fluid out the outlet aperture. Moreover,the jet assembly includes a light source configured to emit a light thatilluminates the first fluid when the magnetic array is driven.

In one exemplary aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a methodfor distributing fluids using a magnetically coupled jet assembly andmotor assembly. The method includes receiving a first fluid through aninlet aperture of a jet assembly. Also, the method includes guiding thefirst fluid into a cavity of the jet assembly through a pathway definedby a wall member of a fluid guider. Furthermore, the method includesdriving the motor assembly to rotate a magnetic array thereby rotatingan impeller within the cavity of the jet assembly. Additionally, themethod includes pressurizing the first fluid within the cavity byrotation of the impeller. Moreover, the method includes guiding thepressurized first fluid into a first channel of a first post of thefluid guider to form a first pressurized fluid stream, the first postextending along a longitudinal axis. The method further includes guidingthe first pressurized fluid stream toward a second fluid channel memberat a first oblique angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. Thesecond fluid channel member disposed within an outlet aperture of thejet assembly and containing a second fluid. The method also includescombining the first pressurized fluid stream with the second fluid toform a jet fluid stream. Finally, the method includes outputting the jetfluid stream through the outlet aperture.

In one exemplary aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a system.The system includes a motor assembly having a motor and a magnetic arraysuch that the motor is configured to drive the magnetic array. Also, thesystem has a jet assembly magnetically coupled to the motor assembly.The jet assembly includes an inlet aperture configured to receive afirst fluid. Additionally, the jet assembly has an outlet aperturesurrounded by the inlet aperture and centrally disposed about the jetassembly. The outlet aperture configured to output the first fluid. Thejet assembly further includes an impeller positioned within a cavity ofthe jet assembly and configured to rotate within the cavity when themagnetic array is driven such that rotation of the impeller causes thefirst fluid to flow into the inlet aperture and out the outlet aperture.Furthermore, the jet assembly includes a fluid guider in communicationwith the inlet and outlet apertures. The fluid guider includes at leastone wall member defining a first channel configured to guide the firstfluid from the inlet aperture into the cavity. Also, the fluid guiderincludes at least one post defining a second channel extending throughthe post. The second channel configured to guide the first fluid fromthe cavity towards the outlet aperture and output the first fluid at anoblique angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the post.Additionally, the jet assembly includes a second fluid channel memberdisposed within the outlet aperture and configured to provide a secondfluid out the outlet aperture. Moreover, the jet assembly includes alight source configured to emit a light that illuminates the first fluidwhen the magnetic array is driven. The system further includes a fluidcontainer having an interior portion for containing the first fluid. Theinterior portion having a first recess formed therein sized and shape toreceive the motor assembly and the jet assembly. Also, the systemincludes a system controller coupled to and operable to control themotor assembly and the jet assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the present disclosure are best understood from the followingdetailed description when read with the accompanying figures.

FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a pumpaccording to various aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the pump of FIG. 1 of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective front view of the pump of FIG. 1 withthe front cover removed for clarity purposes.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective rear view of the motor assembly of thepump of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of the motor assembly of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a jet assembly of thepump of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate perspective views of a fluid guider of the jetassembly of FIG. 6.

FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate perspective views of a lower component of thefluid guider of FIGS. 7A-7C.

FIGS. 9A-9B illustrate perspective views of an upper component of thefluid guider of FIGS. 7A-7C.

FIG. 10 illustrates a method of fluid distribution using the pump ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 11 illustrates a fluid control system using the pump of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-3 show a pump 100 that can be used in fluid applications such ashydrotherapy, massage, stimulation, pedicure, bathing purposes, and thelike to circulate and propel fluids therefrom. FIG. 1 illustrates across-sectional view of pump 100.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the pump 100. FIG. 3 illustrates aperspective front view of the pump 100 without a front cover to provideadditional details. As described in more detail below, pump 100 extendsalong longitudinal axis L₁ and includes a motor assembly 102 that ismagnetically coupled to a multifunctional jet assembly 104.

The motor assembly 102 includes a housing 106 that encloses some or allof the components of motor assembly 102. As shown within housing 106,motor assembly 102 includes a shaft member 108 that is coupled to amagnetic pole array 110. Magnetic pole array 110 is formed of magneticmaterial and is magnetized. Thus, magnetic pole array 110 generates amagnetic field.

In that regard, motor assembly 102 may include and/or be coupled to apower source that enables rotation of the shaft member 108. Uponoperation of motor assembly 102, shaft member 108 is rotated such thatthe magnetic field generated by magnetic pole array 110 moves orfluctuates in accordance with the rotation of the magnetic pole array110.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show additional views of motor assembly 102. Inparticular, FIG. 5 demonstrates that motor assembly 102 has a recess 112sized and shaped for receiving jet assembly 104. As shown in FIG. 1,when pump 100 is assembled jet assembly 104 is positioned within recess112 of motor assembly 102. As will described in greater detail below,jet assembly 104 is magnetically coupled to motor assembly 102 when jetassembly 104 is positioned within recess 112.

Furthermore, motor assembly 102 includes an air channel 114, or airchannel member. In that regard, air channel 114 includes an inlet 116and outlet 118. As will be described in greater detail below, airchannel 114, in part, enables the jet assembly 104 to produce a jetstream of fluid that includes an air mixture.

Additionally, as best shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the motor assembly 102includes sensors 120. As shown, sensors 120 are positioned on a frontfacing surface 122, or annular flange, of housing 106. Sensors 120include electrodes that act as level sensors that sense the level offluid around the pump 100. If sensors 120 detect that the level of fluidaround pump 100 is below a predetermined level or value, then thesensors can shut off pump 100. For example, if pump 100 is being used ina spa application, sensors 120 can detect the level of fluid in a basinin which the pump 100 is being used. If the fluid level is too low suchthat continued operation of pump 100 may cause damage to the pump, thensensors 120 send a signal to motor assembly 102 to stop the motorassembly from operating. Therefore, sensors 120 act as a safetymechanism that prevents the pump 100 from burning out if fluid levelsare too low for proper functioning of pump 100.

Although sensors 120 have been described as being associated withparticular aspects of motor assembly 102, it is contemplated thatsensors 120 can be associated with other and/or additional portions ofmotor assembly 102. Additionally, in other embodiments sensors 120 canbe associated with jet assembly 104. Furthermore, in other embodimentssensors 120 can be associated with both motor assembly 102 and jetassembly 104. Moreover, although two sensors 120 are shown it iscontemplated that one sensor or more than two sensors can be used todetect fluid levels around pump 100.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded perspective view of jet assembly 104 ofthe pump 100. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, jet assembly 104 includes aback cover 124 and front cover 126. Housed between back cover 124 andfront cover 126 is an energy harvesting component 128, an impeller 130,and a fluid guider 132.

As shown in FIG. 1, back cover 124 and front cover 126 are coupledtogether when jet assembly 104 is fully assembled. Back cover 124 has aprofile that substantially matches the profile of recess 112 of motorassembly 102 as shown in FIG. 1. Additionally, referencing FIG. 2, frontcover 126 has an array of inlet apertures 134.

Inlet apertures 134 form a circular pattern around the front cover 126.Here, the array of inlet apertures 134 includes four circular patterns.As shown, each inlet aperture within each circular pattern hassubstantially the same inlet size. Moreover, each respective circularpattern is formed of inlet apertures having a different size than theinlet apertures in adjacent circular pattern. In that regard, therespective size of the inlet apertures 134 within each respectivecircular pattern increases in size from the central portion of frontcover 126 toward the outer edge of front cover 126. As such, thecircular pattern of inlet apertures 134 positioned closest to thecentral portion of front cover 126 have the smallest apertures while thecircular pattern of inlet apertures 134 positioned furthest from thecentral portion of front cover 126 have the largest apertures. In otherwords, a gradual gradient change for fluid intake in jet assembly 104 isformed across inlet apertures 134.

In other embodiments the number of circular patterns may be less than orgreater than the four patterns shown in FIG. 2. Furthermore, in otherembodiments each inlet aperture 134 can have substantially the same sizeor each inlet aperture 134 can be of different sizes. Moreover, in otherembodiments the arrangement and/or sizing of inlet apertures 134 canvary between adjacent apertures and adjacent circular patterns.

Outlet aperture 136 is centrally positioned on front cover 136. Inletapertures 134 surround outlet aperture 136. As shown, the circularpattern of inlet apertures 134 and outlet aperture 136 formsubstantially concentric circles. Thus, because inlet apertures 134surround outlet apertures 136, inlet apertures 134 are positioned closerto the outer edge of front cover 126 than is the outlet aperture 136. Aswill be discussed in greater detail below, inlet apertures 134 areconfigured to receive fluids into the jet assembly 104 while outletaperture 136 is configured to allow a jet stream of fluid to beexpelled, outputted, and/or propelled from jet assembly 104.

Referring to FIG. 6, as discussed above, jet assembly 104 includesenergy harvester component 128. Energy harvester component 128 isconfigured to garner and utilize the magnetic waves produced from therotation of magnetic pole array 110 through electromagnetic induction.In that regard, energy harvester 128 includes coils 138 designed tocapture the magnetic waves to provide energy to a light source or lightemitting diode (LED) array 140. As shown, LED array 140 forms a circularpattern along the edge of energy harvesting component 128. LED array 140can be comprised of all the same type of LEDs having the same color.Additionally, LED array 140 can be comprised of LEDs where each LED hasa different color. Furthermore, LED array 140 can be comprised of amixture of LEDs where at least two or more have the same color and aleast another LED has a different color.

Moreover, it is contemplated that each LED within LED array 140 can beany visible color or non-visible colors of light know to be capable ofbeing produced by LEDs. Additionally, it is contemplated that each LEDcan illuminate as one or more visible or non-visible colors of light atthe same time.

Coils 138 and LED array 140 are coupled to controller 142. Controller142 controls various parameters associated with LED array 140 as well asthe harvesting of energy from coils 138. Controller 142 is configured tocontrol each individual LED within array 140 individually. For example,controller 142 controls the intensity of each of the LEDs in LED array140. In that regard, controller 140 can cause each LED within LED array140 to illuminate at the same intensity or at a varying intensity withrespect to other LEDs in the array. Additionally, controller 142controls the sequence and/or pattern of illumination exhibited by LEDarray 140. For example, controller 142 can cause the LEDs to illuminatesequentially, in unison, or any random pattern alone or in combinationwith other LEDs in LED array 140. Moreover, controller 142 can controlLED array 140 such that a specified color and/or colors are exhibited byLED array 140. For example, LED array 140 may illuminate as a singleuniform color or as multiple colors being producing by different LEDs.

Here, energy harvester component 128 is formed on a printed circuitboard. However, in other embodiments it is contemplated that energyharvester component 128 is integrated into other components of jetassembly 104. For example, the components of energy harvester 128, sucha coils 138, LED array 140, and controller 142 are integrated into backcover 124 of jet assembly 104.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 6, jet assembly 104 includes impeller 130. Theimpeller 130 includes a circular array of arm members 144 and an opening146 that receives a shaft member 148 of jet assembly 104. Impeller 130is configured to rotate about shaft member 148. Impeller 130 is formedin whole or in part of a magnetic pole array 150 that, as discussedbelow, interacts with magnetic pole array 110 of motor assembly 102 torotate impeller 130 about shaft member 148.

As discussed above, jet assembly 104 is positioned within recess 112 ofmotor assembly 102 when pump 100 is fully assembled. In that regard, jetassembly 104 is magnetically coupled to motor assembly 102 when jetassembly 104 is positioned within recess 112. Specially, the magneticpolar array 110 of motor assembly 102 and the magnetic polar array 150of jet assembly magnetically couple together the motor assembly 102 andjet assembly 104.

Moreover, during operation of motor assembly 102, shaft member 108 isrotated such that the magnetic field generated by magnetic pole array110 moves or fluctuates in accordance with the rotation of the magneticpole array 110. This moving or fluctuating magnetic field moves and/orcauses rotation of magnetic pole array 150 of impeller 130.Additionally, as discussed in greater detail below, rotation of impellermember 130 results in fluid being drawn towards impeller member 130through inlet apertures 134 and such fluid to be propelled out of jetassembly 104 through outlet aperture 136.

The jet assembly further includes fluid guider 132. FIGS. 7A-7C showfluid guider 132 in an assembled state and FIGS. 8A-9B show the fluidguider 132 in a disassembled state. Fluid guider 132 includes a lowercomponent 152 and an upper component 154. As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B,lower component 152 has an top surface 156 and an opposing bottomsurface 158. Centrally positioned within top surface 156 is an aperture160 that extends from the top surface through to the bottom surface 158.

Extending from top surface 156 along longitudinal axis L₁ are posts orpillars 162. As shown, lower component 152 includes four posts 162equally distanced or spaced from each other a distance D₁ around theperimeter, or outer edge, of lower component 152. As shown in FIG. 8A,each post 162 is positioned such that it directly opposes and facesanother post 162. Moreover, each post 162 has substantially the samewidth. However, in other embodiments there may be more than four postsor less than four posts associated with lower component 152. Moreover,in other embodiments posts 162 may be spaced unequal distances from eachother and/or have varying widths.

Posts 162 each define a channel 164 extending through each post. Channel164 extends from an inlet aperture 166 on bottom surface 158 to anoutlet aperture 168 positioned above top surface 156. As shown in FIG.8A, outlet apertures 168 of each post 162 have substantially the samewidth W₁. Moreover, each post 162 is positioned such that each post'soutlet aperture 168 directly opposes and faces another post's outletaperture 168. As such, when fluid is distributed out of each post'soutlet aperture 168, the respective fluid streams from each post aredirected toward the central portion of lower component 152. That is, therespective fluid streams from each post are expelled or outputted at anoblique angle with respect to longitudinal axis L₁.

In some embodiments, the respective fluid streams are directed towardthe central portion of lower component 152 at a substantially transverseor perpendicular angle with respect to longitudinal axis L₁. In otherwords, the respective fluid streams from each post are expelled,directed, and/or outputted toward the central portion of lower component152 substantially along the same plane. Therefore, the respective fluidstreams from each post's outlet aperture can be substantially coplanarwith respect to each other when leaving the post.

In other embodiments, it contemplated that the respective fluid streamsfrom each post's outlet aperture are directed toward the central portionof lower component 152 at any oblique angle with respect to longitudinalaxis L₁. In such embodiments, the respective fluid streams from eachpost are directed toward the central portion of lower component 152along substantially different planes. Therefore, the respective fluidstreams from each post's outlet aperture can be substantiallynon-coplanar with respect to each other when leaving the post.Regardless of the particular angle with respect to longitudinal axisL_(I), as discussed in greater detail below, the respective fluid streamfrom each post are combined together to form a jet fluid stream thatexits the jet assembly 104 through outlet aperture 136.

Additionally, bottom surface 158 has a portion 170 that is tapered orsloped that leads into channel 164 through inlet aperture 166.Furthermore, each post 162 includes an attachment feature 172 that isconfigured to couple the lower component 152 with the upper component154. Here, the attachment features 172 include a recess designed toreceive a protrusion to snap fit, press fit, or otherwise couple theupper component 154 to the lower component 152.

Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, upper component 154 includes a bottomsurface 174 and a top surface 176. Extending from bottom surface 174 areprotrusions 178. As discussed above, protrusions 178 are sized andshaped to interact with attachment features 172 of lower component 152to thereby couple the lower component 152 and upper component 154together. Moreover, as discussed in more detail below, the interactionof attachment features 172 with protrusions 178 acts as alignment guidesthat ensure that the upper component 154 and lower component 152 areproperly aligned with respect to each other when assembled.

Extending from top surface 176 are wall members 180. As shown, uppercomponent 154 includes four wall members 180 that are equally distancedor spaced from each other a distance D₂ around the perimeter, or outeredge, of upper component 154. Moreover, each wall member 180 hassubstantially the same width W₂. However, in other embodiments there maybe more than four wall members or less than four wall members associatedwith upper component 154. Moreover, in other embodiments wall members180 may be spaced unequal distances from each other and/or have varyingwidths.

Additionally extending from top surface 176 is air channel member 182,or a second fluid channel member. As shown, air channel 182 extends froma central portion of top surface 176. The central portion of top surface176 is tapered and/or sloped towards air channel 182. Furthermore, airchannel 182 extends through upper component 154 along the top surface176 and bottom surface 174. Additionally, a portion 184 of air channel182 extends through and beyond one of wall members 180.

Air channel 182 includes an inlet 186 and outlet 188. As shown in FIG.1, air channel 182 is in communication with air channel 114.Specifically, the outlet 118 of air channel 114 is in communication withthe inlet 186 of air channel 182. Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 1 and2, outlet 186 of air channel 182 is in communication with outletaperture 136. Moreover, outlet 186 is aligned such that outlet 186 issubstantially centrally disposed within aperture 136. As will bedescribed in greater detail below, air channel 182 in combination withair channel 114 of motor assembly 102 enables the jet assembly 104 toproduce a jet stream of fluid that includes an air mixture.

As discussed above, the interaction of attachment features 172 withprotrusions 178 acts as alignment guides that ensure that the uppercomponent 154 and lower component 152 are properly aligned with respectto each other. As shown in FIG. 7B, this alignment is essential to theformation of channels 190, or pathways, positioned between each post162. Specifically, upon coupling of lower component 152 and uppercomponent 154, wall members 180 are aligned between each post 162. Inthat regard, the width W₂ of each wall member 180 is wider than thedistance D₁ between each post 162. As a result, each wall member 180positioned between a respective pair of posts blocks a portion ofdistance D₁ between the posts.

Furthermore, because attachment features 172 extend from upper surface156 of the lower component 152, the attachment features 172 act as ariser or ledge that upper component 154 engages when coupled to lowercomponent 152. Thus, attachment features 172 prevent the bottom surface174 of the upper component 154 from contacting the top surface 156 ofthe lower component 152. Therefore, attachment features 172 ensure thatthe coupling of lower component 152 and upper component 154 does notdisrupt and/or prevent channel 190 from communicating with aperture 160of lower component 152. In other words, the vertical height ofattachment features 172 extending from top surface 156 dictate thedegree to which channel 190 is able to communicate with aperture 160 ofthe lower component.

The interaction of attachment features 172 with protrusions 178 furtheracts as alignment guides with respect properly aligning outlet apertures168 between wall members 180. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, when lowercomponent 152 and upper component 154 are coupled each post 162 ispositioned between a pair of wall members 180. In that regard, thedistance D₂ or the space between each wall member 180 is substantiallysimilar to the width W₁ of each post's outlet aperture 168. As a result,each post's outlet aperture 168 is substantially unobstructed by wallmembers 180 and directly opposes and faces another post's outletaperture 168.

As discussed above, when lower component 152 and upper component 154 arecoupled together, fluid guider 132 includes channels 190, or pathways,positioned between each posts 162. In that regard, as shown in FIG. 1,wall members 180 are positioned against front cover 126 when the jetassembly 104 is fully assembled. As such, wall members 180 preventand/or redirect fluids being received from inlet apertures 134 intochannel 190. As a result, fluid is moved through channel 190 towardsaperture 160.

Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 7C, fluid flowing through aperture 160is in communication with cavity, basin, or chamber 192 formed by thecoupling of back cover 124 with front cover 126 of the jet assembly 104.Additionally, inlet apertures 166 of posts 162 are in communication withcavity 192 such that fluid received within inlet apertures 166 traversesthrough each post's channel 164. As discussed above, each post 162 ispositioned such that each post's outlet aperture 168 directly opposesand faces another post's outlet aperture 168. As such, when fluid isdistributed out of each post's outlet aperture 168, the respective fluidstream from each post is directed toward outlet 188 of air channel 182.

In some embodiments, the respective fluid streams are directed towardoutlet 188 at a substantially transverse or perpendicular angle withrespect to longitudinal axis L₁. In other words, the respective fluidstreams from each post are expelled, directed, and/or outputted outlet188 substantially along the same plane. Therefore, the respective fluidstreams from each post's outlet aperture can be substantially coplanarwith respect to each other when leaving the post.

In other embodiments, the respective fluid streams from each post'soutlet aperture are directed toward outlet 188 at any oblique angle withrespect to longitudinal axis L₁. In such embodiments, the respectivefluid streams from each post are directed toward outlet 188 alongsubstantially different planes. Therefore, the respective fluid streamsfrom each post's outlet aperture can be substantially non-coplanar withrespect to each other when leaving the post. Regardless of theparticular angle with respect to longitudinal axis L_(I), as discussedin greater detail below, the respective fluid stream from each post arecombined together to form a jet fluid stream that exits the jet assembly104 through outlet aperture 136.

FIG. 10 illustrates a method 200 of fluid distribution using pump 100.Method 200 begins at block 202 with disposing pump 100 in a fluid, suchas water. Fluid enters into jet assembly 104 through inlet apertures 134of front cover 126. As discussed above, inlet apertures 134 form acircular pattern around the front cover 126. Moreover, as discussedabove, the circular pattern of inlet apertures 134 allows for a gradualgradient change for fluid intake into jet assembly 104.

At block 204, fluid guider 132 of jet assembly 104 guides the fluid intocavity 192 that houses impeller 130. In that regard, as shown in FIG. 1,wall members 180 of fluid guider 132 are positioned against front cover126 when the jet assembly 104 is fully assembled. As such, wall members180 prevent and/or redirect fluid being received from inlet apertures134 into channels 190. As a result, fluid is moved through channels 190into cavity 192 via communication with aperture 160 of fluid guider 132.The fluid entering cavity 192 from channels 190 can be considered a lowpressure fluid with respect to the pressure of fluid expelled from thejet assembly 104.

At block 206, motor assembly 102 is operated in order to rotate or drivemagnetic pole array 110. In that regard, shaft member 108 of motorassembly 102 is rotated such that the magnetic field generated bymagnetic pole array 110 moves or fluctuates in accordance with therotation of the magnetic pole array 110.

At block 208, in response to the movement and/or fluctuation of themagnetic field generated by magnetic pole array 110, impeller 130rotates within jet assembly 104. As discussed above, impeller 130contains a magnetic pole array 150 that causes the impeller to rotateabout shaft member 148 in response to the movement and/or fluctuation ofthe magnetic field generated by magnetic pole array 110.

Rotation of impeller 130 causes fluid in cavity 192 to be centrifugedand pressurized at block 210. The centrifuged and pressurized fluid isguided and/or propelled towards inlet apertures 166 of posts 162.Additionally, because impeller 130 forces fluid out of cavity 192 andinto channels 164 of posts 162, this draws additional fluid into cavity192 from channels 190 of the guider assembly 132. The fluid exitingcavity 192 into channels 164 can be considered a high pressure fluidwith respect to the pressure of fluid received into cavity 192 fromchannels 190.

At block 212, the centrifuged and pressurized fluid is guided intochannels 164 of posts 162. Specifically, the centrifuged and pressurizedfluid is received through inlet apertures 166 and into channels 164. Inthat regard, portion 170, that is tapered or sloped, of fluid guider 132helps to guide or direct the centrifuged and pressurized fluid intochannels 164. Moreover, the centrifuged and pressurized fluid withinchannels 164 represents respective pressurized fluid streams within eachpost 162.

At block 214, the respective pressurized fluid streams within each post162 are guided toward air outlet 188 of air channel 182. As discussedabove, each post 162 is positioned such that each post's outlet aperture168 directly opposes and faces another post's outlet aperture 168. Assuch, when the pressurized fluid stream is distributed out of eachpost's outlet aperture 168, the respective pressurized fluid streamsfrom each post are directed toward outlet 188 of air channel 182. Thatis, the pressurized fluid stream is directed toward outlet 188 at anoblique angle with respect to longitudinal axis L₁ of each post 162, jetassembly 104, and/or pump 100. As discussed above, it is contemplatedthat the pressurized fluid stream can be directed toward outlet 188 atany oblique angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of each post 162,jet assembly 104, and/or pump 100 as long as the pressurized fluidstream is directed at outlet 188.

At block 216, the pressurized fluid streams from each post 162 arecombined together with air (i.e. a second fluid) from outlet 188 to forma jet fluid stream. As discussed above, each post 162 is positioned suchthat each post's outlet aperture 168 directly opposes and faces anotherpost's outlet aperture 168. As such, when the pressurized fluid streamis distributed out of each post's outlet aperture 168, the respectivepressurized fluid streams from each post are directed toward outlet 188of air channel 182. Thus, the pressurized fluid streams from each post162 intersect, converge, and/or combine with each other in and aroundoutlet 188 of air channel 182.

Moreover, the pressurized fluid streams from each post pass acrossoutlet 188 of the air channel 182. The flow of the pressurized fluidstreams across outlet 188 encourages a flow of air from within airchannel 182 to be mixed with the pressurized fluid streams.Specifically, the flow of the pressurized fluid streams across or overoutlet 188 generates a suction force that causes air to flow into inlet116 and through the air channels 114 and 182 and out outlet 188. Thus,this air flow is combined with the pressurized fluid streams to form ajet stream of fluid.

As a result, the jet stream of fluid is expelled, outputted, orpropelled through the outlet aperture 136 of the front cover 126 of jetassembly 104 at block 218. As discussed above, outlet aperture 136 iscentrally positioned on front cover 126. As such, the jet stream offluid is expelled from the central position of front cover 126. In thatregard, the jet stream of fluid flows substantially in the direction ofthe longitudinal axis L₁ of pump 100. Moreover, the air within the jetstream of fluid produces bubbles that rise to the surface of the fluidand creates an aesthetically pleasing effect.

However, in other embodiments the jet stream of fluid may flowsubstantially at an oblique angle with respect to the longitudinal axisof pump 100. For example, outlet aperture 136 can be configured to havean eyelet or directionally controlled port that dictates the axialdirection for expelling the jet stream of fluid from jet assembly 104.

It should be noted, as discussed above, jet assembly 104 includes LEDarray 140. In that regard, energy harvester component 128 is configuredto garner and utilize the magnetic waves produced from the rotation ofmagnetic pole array 110 through electromagnetic induction. Thus, duringmethod 200 LED array 140 can be controlled by controller 142, asdiscussed above, to produce any color, pattern of color, intensity,sequencing of illumination desired, and/or any other parameter discussedabove with respect to controller 142. The addition of LED array 140provides a pleasing therapeutic affect in the fluid and/or jet stream offluid.

FIG. 11 illustrates a fluid control system 300 using a plurality ofpumps 100. In that regard, each pump 100 is positioned within a wall offluid container 302. Fluid container 302, for example, may be any spadevice including, but not limited to, any device used for hydrotherapy,massage, stimulation, pedicure, bathing purposes, and the like. Here,for example, the interior of fluid container 302 is holding a fluid 304,such as water.

A hole or recess sized and shaped to receive each pump 100 may be formedin the wall of fluid container 302. For example, the hole or recess maybe preformed within fluid container 302. Moreover, each pump 100 may beplaced within a hole or recess which may have been drilled from theinterior of the fluid container 302. As shown, each pump 100 issubstantially flush with the wall of fluid container 302. Here, onlyfront cover 126 of each pump 100 extends into the interior portion offluid container 302.

It is understood that the number of pumps and the position of the pumpsmay vary depending on a particular design. The pumps 100 are coupled toa system controller or control box 306 for controlling the operation ofthe pumps by a user of the fluid control system 300. For example, thepumps 100 may be controlled independently of each other such that one ormore of the pumps can be powered on/off, may be controlled according toa program that powers the pumps in various patterns or cycles, or may becontrolled using a timer. The control box 306 may be hard wired to apower source or may be a plug-in type.

As discussed above, each pump 100 includes LED array 140 that produceslighting effects that illuminate fluid 304. In that regard, control box306, can be used to control the controllers 142 within each pump 100.Thus, control box 306 can be used to control controllers 142 to produceany color, pattern of color, intensity, sequencing of illuminationdesired, and/or any other parameter discussed above with respect tocontroller 142. The addition of LED array 140 provides a pleasingtherapeutic affect in the fluid 302.

Moreover, because LED array 140 is part of jet assembly 104 repairs andmaintenance of the LEDs is easier than in a traditional spa device.Specifically, as discussed above, jet assembly 104 and motor assembly102 are magnetically coupled together. Therefore, the two assemblies caneasily be decoupled from each other without having to remove motorassembly 102 from fluid container 302. In that regard, jet assembly 104is removed from fluid container 302 by simply pulling the jet assembly104 towards the interior of fluid container 302. As a result, motorassembly 102 remains within fluid container 302 while repair and/ormaintenance can be performed on jet assembly 104. Additionally, becausejet assembly 104 has a built-in light source, such as LED array 140,there is no need to install a separate light source within fluidcontainer 302.

While the preceding description shows and describes one or moreembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes in form and detail may be made therein without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. For example,various steps of the described methods may be executed in a differentorder or executed sequentially, combined, further divided, replaced withalternate steps, or removed entirely. In addition, various functionsillustrated in the methods or described elsewhere in the disclosure maybe combined to provide additional and/or alternate functions. Therefore,the claims should be interpreted in a broad manner, consistent with thepresent disclosure.

1. An apparatus comprising: a motor assembly having a motor and amagnetic array such that the motor is configured to drive the magneticarray; a jet assembly coupled to the motor assembly, the jet assemblyincluding: an inlet aperture configured to receive a first fluid; anoutlet aperture surrounded by the inlet aperture and centrally disposedabout the jet assembly, the outlet aperture configured to output thefirst fluid; an impeller positioned within a cavity of the jet assemblyand configured to rotate within the cavity when the magnetic array isdriven such that rotation of the impeller causes the first fluid to flowinto the inlet aperture and out the outlet aperture; a fluid guider incommunication with the inlet and outlet apertures, the fluid guidercomprising: at least one wall member defining a first channel configuredto guide the first fluid from the inlet aperture into the cavity; atleast one post defining a second channel extending through the post, thesecond channel configured to guide the first fluid from the cavitytowards the outlet aperture and output the first fluid at an obliqueangle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the post; and a secondfluid channel member disposed within the outlet aperture and configuredto provide a second fluid out the outlet aperture; and a light sourceconfigured to emit a light that illuminates the first fluid when themagnetic array is driven.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein flow ofthe first fluid across an opening of the second fluid channel causesoutput of the second fluid such that a combination of the first andsecond fluids is outputted through the outlet aperture.
 3. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the at least one post includes a first post and asecond post, the first post directly opposing the second post such thatthe first fluid outputted from the first post intersects with the firstfluid outputted by the second post.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe at least one wall member includes a first wall member and a secondwall member and the at least one post is disposed between the first andsecond wall members.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the first andsecond wall members are spaced apart a first distance and the least atleast post has an outlet aperture having a width substantially equal tothe first distance.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the jetassembly further comprises: a coil configured to capture magnetic wavesproduced from the magnetic array to provide energy to the light source;and a controller coupled to the coil and the light source and configuredto control a parameter associated with the light source.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 6, wherein the light source is an array of lightemitting diodes disposed about a perimeter of the jet assembly.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 7, wherein the parameter includes at least one ofintensity, color, and illumination sequencing.
 9. The apparatus of claim1, wherein the fluid guider includes an upper component and a lowercomponent, the upper component having the at least one wall member andthe second fluid channel member, the lower component having the at leastone post.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the at least one wallmember includes a first wall member and a second wall member, andwherein the lower component has a first attachment feature and the uppercomponent has a second attachment feature such that the first and secondattachment features align and couple the upper and lower componentstogether such that the at least one post is disposed between the firstand second wall members.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein thefirst attachment feature is one of a recess and a protrusion and thesecond attachment feature is the other of the recess and the protrusion.12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the jet assembly further comprisesa front cover and back cover that couple together to form the cavity,wherein the inlet and outlet apertures are formed in the front cover,and wherein the inlet aperture includes a plurality of apertures forminga circular pattern that surrounds the outlet aperture.
 13. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the motor assembly includes a sensor sensing a levelof the first fluid around the apparatus such that if the sensordetermines that the level of the first fluid around the apparatus isbelow a predetermined level then the sensors causes the motor assemblyto stop driving the magnetic array.
 14. The method of claim 1, whereinthe first fluid is water and the second fluid is air.
 15. A method fordistributing fluids using a magnetically coupled jet assembly and motorassembly, the method comprising: receiving a first fluid through aninlet aperture of a jet assembly; guiding the first fluid into a cavityof the jet assembly through a pathway defined by a wall member of afluid guider; driving the motor assembly to rotate a magnetic arraythereby rotating an impeller within the cavity of the jet assembly;pressurizing the first fluid within the cavity by rotation of theimpeller; guiding the pressurized first fluid into a first channel of afirst post of the fluid guider to form a first pressurized fluid stream,the first post extending along a longitudinal axis; guiding the firstpressurized fluid stream toward a second fluid channel member at a firstoblique angle with respect to the longitudinal axis, the second fluidchannel member disposed within an outlet aperture of the jet assemblyand containing a second fluid; combining the first pressurized fluidstream with the second fluid to form a jet fluid stream; and outputtingthe jet fluid stream through the outlet aperture.
 16. The method ofclaim 15, wherein combining the first pressurized fluid stream with thesecond fluid to form a jet fluid stream includes guiding the first fluidover an opening of the second fluid channel member such that the secondfluid is drawn out of the second fluid channel member and combined withthe first pressurized fluid stream.
 17. The method of claim 15, whereinguiding the pressurized first fluid into the first channel of the postof the fluid guider to form the first pressurized fluid stream includesguiding the pressurized first fluid into a second channel of a secondpost of the fluid guider to form a second pressurized fluid stream, thefirst post directly opposing the second post and having a first outletin communication with the first channel that faces a second outlet incommunication with the second channel of the second post, and whereinguiding the first pressurized fluid stream toward the second fluidchannel member at the first oblique angle with respect to thelongitudinal axis includes guiding the second pressurized fluid streamtoward the second fluid channel member at a second oblique angle withrespect to the longitudinal axis such that the first and secondpressurized fluid streams intersect about the second fluid channelmember.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the first oblique angle issubstantially the same as the second oblique angle.
 19. The method ofclaim 17, wherein guiding the first and second pressurized fluid streamstoward the second fluid channel includes outputting the first and secondpressurized fluid streams from the first and second posts, respectively,along substantially the same plane.
 20. The method of claim 17, whereinguiding the first and second pressurized fluid streams toward the secondfluid channel includes outputting the first and second pressurized fluidstreams from the first and second posts, respectively, alongsubstantially different planes.
 21. The method of claim 15, furthercomprising illuminating the first fluid via a light source containedwithin the cavity.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein illuminating thefirst fluid via the light source includes: providing energy to the lightsource via magnetic waves captured by a coil; and controlling theillumination with a controller coupled to the coil and the light sourceand configured to control a parameter associated with the light source.23. The method of claim 22, wherein the parameter includes at least oneof intensity, color, and illumination sequencing.
 24. The method ofclaim 15, further comprising: providing a fluid container having aninterior portion for containing the first fluid; positioning the motorassembly and jet assembly into an insert in the interior portion of thefluid container such that a first portion of the motor assembly is incontact with the first fluid and a second portion of the motor assemblyis isolated from contact with the first fluid; and decoupling the jetassembly from the motor assembly and removing the jet assembly from thefluid container while the first portion of the motor assembly is incontact with the first fluid.
 25. The method of claim 15, furthercomprising sensing via a sensor associated with one of the motorassembly and the jet assembly a level of the first fluid around thesensor; and sending a signal to stop the motor assembly when the sensedlevel of the first fluid is below a predetermined level.
 26. A systemcomprising: a motor assembly having a motor and a magnetic array suchthat the motor is configured to drive the magnetic array; a jet assemblymagnetically coupled to the motor assembly, the jet assembly including:an inlet aperture configured to receive a first fluid; an outletaperture surrounded by the inlet aperture and centrally disposed aboutthe jet assembly, the outlet aperture configured to output the firstfluid; an impeller positioned within a cavity of the jet assembly andconfigured to rotate within the cavity when the magnetic array is drivensuch that rotation of the impeller causes the first fluid to flow intothe inlet aperture and out the outlet aperture; a fluid guider incommunication with the inlet and outlet apertures, the fluid guidercomprising: at least one wall member defining a first channel configuredto guide the first fluid from the inlet aperture into the cavity; atleast one post defining a second channel extending through the post, thesecond channel configured to guide the first fluid from the cavitytowards the outlet aperture and output the first fluid at an obliqueangle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the post; and a secondfluid channel member disposed within the outlet aperture and configuredto provide a second fluid out the outlet aperture; and a light sourceconfigured to emit a light that illuminates the first fluid when themagnetic array is driven; a fluid container having an interior portionfor containing the first fluid, the interior portion having a firstrecess formed therein sized and shape to receive the motor assembly andthe jet assembly; and a system controller coupled to and operable tocontrol the motor assembly and the jet assembly.
 27. The system of claim26, wherein flow of the first fluid across an opening of the secondfluid channel causes output of the second fluid such that a combinationof the first and second fluids is outputted through the outlet aperture.28. The system of claim 26, wherein the second fluid channel member isformed from a portion of the motor assembly and the jet assembly andextends to an exterior portion that opposes the interior portion of thefluid container.
 29. The system of claim 26, wherein the at least onepost includes a first post that directly opposes a second post such thatthe first fluid outputted from the first post intersects with the firstfluid outputted by the second post.
 30. The system of claim 26 whereinthe jet assembly further comprises a front cover and back cover thatcouple together to form the cavity, wherein the inlet and outletapertures are formed in the front cover, and wherein the inlet apertureincludes a plurality of apertures forming a circular pattern thatsurrounds the outlet aperture, the outlet aperture and the circularpattern being substantially concentric.
 31. The system of claim 26,wherein the first fluid is water and the second fluid is air.
 32. Thesystem of claim 26, wherein the motor assembly has a second recess sizedand shaped to receive the jet assembly.
 33. The system of claim 26,wherein the light source is an array of light emitting diodes disposedabout a perimeter of the jet assembly, and wherein the system controlleris operable to control one of intensity, color, and illuminationsequencing for the array of light emitting diodes.